Object Description
Large 19th Century Serapi Carpet
4.80 x 3.15 m
The term ‘Serapi’ belongs to a subset of high-end Heriz carpets, woven in Northwest Persia, known for their higher quality weaves and simpler, more refined designs. Prized for their geometric designs, fine durable construction and creative vegetable-dyed colours, they make ideal long-lasting rugs, and have always stood out for their striking tribal motifs. In our experience, Serapi-Heriz carpets prove to be among the most versatile decorative weavings, with the ability to unite both modern and traditional design elements in a room.
This extraordinary Serapi carpet, dating to c. 1870, boasts a top-quality weave, high-grade hand-spun wool, and a wide variety of vegetable dyes, lending a crisp clarity to its drawing and a wonderful softness to its colours. A particularly rare feature of this carpet is the uniformity of colour across the wide outer border and the central medallion – a charming warm terracotta tone – which adds a sense of openness and balance to the composition. Its restrained palette also includes tones of muted cornflower blue and sage green.
Retained in good practical condition for everyday use; being over 150 years old, this 19th Century Serapi carpet has had some age-related restoration, finished to a high standard, but still preserves its outer borders on all sides – its organic dyes have taken on a fine patina with age.
A rare example, with a sense of tribal charm and character which would feel equally at home in a country manor drawing room as it would in a mid-century modern home.